Zane took one bite of the roasted meat, unbothered by the swarm of footsteps echoing behind him. He turned slowly, licking his fingers as the portal flared open and out stepped Auri—golden eyes blazing—with Adrien and Blaise flanking her, crackling with energy.
Valerie stepped back, remaining silent as she closed the portal behind them.
"Well, well," Zane said with a grin. "Didn't expect a welcome party over lunch."
"You thief," Auri growled. "You think you can humiliate us again and just run?"
"I didn't steal your pride, just a leg of roasted beast," he said, holding it up mockingly. "Would you like it back?"
Adrien's hands sparked. "He's asking for it."
"Wait," Valerie finally spoke, her voice soft but firm. "We outnumber him. Don't rush in."
Zane's eyes flickered purple as he casually took a step back. "Good advice, actually. For your sake."
Nyx chimed in his head, "Zane, their formation is tight. If they surround you, it'll be harder to teleport."
"Got it. Distract. Divide. Dominate."
With a flick of his fingers, Zane tossed the half-eaten roast behind them. Instinctively, Blaise glanced back—just as Zane vanished.
He reappeared behind Adrien and swept his leg, knocking the lightning user off balance. Sparks erupted, and Adrien snarled as electricity burst around him wildly.
Zane was already gone again.
This time above, sitting casually on a tree branch.
"You all came for one guy? Feeling honored," he taunted.
Auri launched forward, sword drawn, while Valerie reluctantly opened another portal to cut Zane off.
But Zane was already in motion. He Voidwalked again—this time mid-air—and Valerie's portal missed by inches.
Zane landed behind her. Quietly.
"I don't think you actually want to catch me," he whispered.
Before she could answer, a system notification flared in his vision:
> [Hidden- Quest: Outmaneuver the Squad – Complete]
Reward: +250 EXP | Voidwalk Efficiency +1 | Reputation Shift: "Marked by the Academy"
Nyx giggled. "You're officially infamous. Proud?"
Zane chuckled and saluted the stunned students.
"Next time, bring dessert."